TOXICITY DUE TO LEAD (Pb) IN WATER

A Technical Report Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

Continuous Internal Evaluation II for the subject of
Enviormental Sciences(MC401)

by

Name :– Ayan Saha

College Roll No. :- CSE/21/007
University Roll No. :-10700121101

Under the supervision of

Prof. Biswajit Jana

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT, KOLAGHAT

(Affiliated to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology)

Purba Medinipur – 721171, West Bengal, India

FEBRUARY -2023
 CONTENTS:

 Introduction.

 Sources.

 Mode of effects.

 Environmental Hazards.

 Removal of these metals from water.

 Conclusion.

 References.
  INTRODUCTION:-

Lead is the most important toxic heavy element in the environment. Due to its important
physico-chemical properties, its use can be retraced to historical times. Globally it is an
abundantly distributed, important yet dangerous environmental chemical (Mahaffay,
1990a). Its important properties like softness, malleability, ductility, poor conductibility
and resistance to corrosion seem to make difficult to give up its use. Due to its non-
biode gradable nature and continuous use, its concentration accumulates in the
environment with increasing hazards

Human exposure to lead and its compounds occurs mostly in lead related occupations with
various sources like leaded gasoline, industrial processes such as smelting of lead and its
combustion, pottery, boat building, lead based painting, lead containing pipes, battery
recycling, grids, arm industry, pigments, printing of books, etc.

Though its widespread use has discontinued in many countries of the world, it is still used
in many industries like car repair, battery manufacturing and recycling, refining, smelting,
etc. Lead is a highly poisonous metal affecting almost every organ in the body. Of all the
organs, the nervous system is the mostly affected targetin lead toxicity, both in children
and adults.

Exposure to lead can occur through various sources, including lead-based paints,
contaminated soil, and drinking water.
Lead can enter the water supply when lead pipes, fittings, and solder are used in plumbing
systems. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes and fixtures, but even
newer homes can have lead in their plumbing systems.
When water containing lead is consumed, the metal can accumulate in the body and cause
a range of health problems, including damage to the brain and nervous system,
developmental delays, hearing problems, and anemia. In high doses, lead can also cause
seizures, coma, and even death.The symptoms of lead poisoning can be subtle and may
not appear until significant exposure has occurred. Common symptoms include abdominal
pain, headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Children who are exposed to lead may also
exhibit developmental delays, loss of appetite, and
learning difficulties.
It is essential to test the water in your home for lead
if you suspect that your plumbing system may
contain lead pipes or fixtures. If lead is detected,
measures can be taken to reduce or eliminate
exposure, such as using a water filtration system or
replacing lead pipes and fixtures.
SOURCES OF LEAD(Pb) METAL:-

Lead can be found in various sources, including:

1. Lead-based paints: Lead was commonly used in paint until it was banned in 1978.
Homes built before this time may still have lead-based paint on walls, windows, and
doors.
2. Soil: Lead can accumulate in soil from past use of leaded gasoline, lead-based paints,
and industrial activities.
3. Plumbing systems: Lead pipes and fixtures were commonly used in plumbing
systems before the 1980s. Lead can leach into drinking water when it comes into
contact with these pipes and fixtures.
4. Consumer products: Lead can be found in certain consumer products such as lead
crystal glassware, leaded pottery, and some toys.
5. Food: Lead can be present in food that has been grown in contaminated soil or
canned in lead-containing cans.
6. Air pollution: Lead can be emitted into the air from industrial processes and vehicle
exhaust, and can then settle onto soil and water sources.
It is important to be aware of potential sources of lead exposure and take steps to minimize
the risk of exposure, particularly for children and pregnant women who are particularly
susceptible to the harmful effects of lead.
MODE OF EFFECT:-

Lead can affect the body in several ways, including:

1. Interfering with enzyme function: Lead can disrupt the function of enzymes that
are necessary for various biological processes in the body, including the production
of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
2. Damaging the nervous system: Lead can accumulate in the brain and damage the
nervous system, leading to developmental delays, behavioral changes, and
learning difficulties.
3. Disrupting the cardiovascular system: Lead can interfere with the normal
functioning of the cardiovascular system, leading to high blood pressure, heart
disease, and stroke.
4. Causing anemia: Lead can interfere with the production of red blood cells, leading
to anemia.
5. Affecting the kidneys: Lead can accumulate in the kidneys and cause damage,
leading to kidney disease.
6. Interfering with reproductive and developmental processes: Lead can interfere
with reproductive and developmental processes, leading to fertility problems,
developmental delays, and birth defects.
7. Increasing the risk of cancer: Lead exposure has been linked to an increased risk
of certain types of cancer, including lung, stomach, and kidney cancer.
The effects of lead exposure depend on several factors, including the level of exposure,
the duration of exposure, and the age and health of the individual. Children and pregnant
women are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead.

 Nervous system:
Lead can accumulate in the brain and damage the nervous system, leading to a range of
neurological effects. In children, lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning
difficulties, and behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and aggression. In adults, lead
exposure can cause irritability, mood changes, memory loss, and nerve damage that can
result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities.

 Cardiovascular system:
Lead exposure can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Lead
can interfere with the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system by damaging blood
vessels and reducing the ability of the body to produce nitric oxide, a chemical that helps
to regulate blood flow.
 Hematological system:
Lead exposure can interfere with the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood
cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to anemia, a condition in
which the body doesn't have enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen to tissues and
organs.

 Reproductive and developmental systems:

Lead exposure can interfere with reproductive and developmental processes, leading
to fertility problems, developmental delays, and birth defects. In women, lead
exposure can cause menstrual irregularities and miscarriage. In men, lead exposure
can reduce sperm count and motility.
  ENVIORMENTAL HAZARDS:

Lead is a toxic metal that can have serious environmental and health hazards. Some of the
environmental hazards caused by lead are:
1. Air Pollution: Lead can be released into the air from mining and smelting activities,
burning fossil fuels, and waste incineration. Once released, lead can travel long
distances in the air and settle on soil, water, and vegetation, contaminating them.
2. Soil Contamination: Lead can contaminate soil from sources like lead-based paint,
gasoline, and mining activities. Soil contaminated with lead can affect the growth
of plants and animals, making it difficult for them to survive.
3. Water Pollution: Lead can leach into drinking water from lead pipes, faucets, and
fittings. Lead-contaminated water can cause serious health problems in people,
especially in children.
4. Wildlife Poisoning: Wildlife can be affected by lead poisoning if they consume
contaminated soil or water. This can lead to reduced populations and even
extinction of certain species.
5. Human Health Hazards: Lead exposure can cause a wide range of health problems
in people, including anemia, kidney damage, reproductive problems, and
developmental delays in children. High levels of lead exposure can even cause
death.
It is essential to take measures to reduce lead exposure and contamination in the
environment to protect human health and wildlife.

 REMOVAL OF LEAD FROM WATER:

Removing lead from water is essential to protect human health, especially in areas with
lead pipes or fittings. Here are some methods for removing lead from water:
1. Flushing: Running water for at least 30 seconds before using it can reduce lead
levels in the water.
2. Filtration: Home water filtration systems can remove lead from water. Activated
carbon filters are effective at removing organic compounds and chlorine, but may
not be as effective at removing lead.
3. Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis systems use a membrane to remove
contaminants from water, including lead.
4. Distillation: Distillation involves boiling water to produce steam, which is then
condensed back into water. This method removes most contaminants, including
lead.
5. Acidic Treatment: Acidic water can dissolve lead from pipes and fittings.
Treatment with an acidic solution can remove lead from water, but it is not a
recommended method for home use.
It is important to note that removing lead from water does not address the source of
contamination, such as lead pipes. Long-term solutions for reducing lead exposure in
drinking water involve replacing lead pipes and fittings. In the meantime, using a
combination of flushing and filtration methods can effectively reduce lead levels in
drinking water.

 CONCLUSION:
The conclusion about the toxicity of lead in water is that it can have serious adverse health
effects on individuals, especially children and pregnant women. Lead is a toxic metal that
can accumulate in the body over time and cause damage to the nervous system, brain,
kidneys, and other organs. Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to behavioral and
developmental problems, learning difficulties, and decreased IQ in children.
Lead in water can come from a variety of sources, including lead pipes, lead solder, and
brass fixtures containing lead. The primary way to prevent lead exposure is to identify and
remove lead sources in the home and to ensure that drinking water is safe.
Regular testing of water quality and following the recommended guidelines for lead-safe
practices is critical to prevent lead exposure. In addition, individuals can take steps to
reduce their exposure to lead by drinking filtered or bottled water and avoiding hot water
from the tap, which can leach more lead from pipes.
Overall, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of lead in water and take
appropriate measures to protect oneself and one's family from exposure.

 REFERENCE
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Lead. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/
2. World Health Organization. (2011). Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. Fourth
edition. Geneva. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241548151
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Lead in Drinking Water.
Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-
information-about-lead-drinking-water
4. Interdiscip Toxicol. 2015; Vol. 8(2): 55–64.